Two Ways to Prevent Summer Slide: Reading Programs & Smartick Method

My family was given two subscriptions to Smartick Method to facilitate this post. I did not receive compensation and was not told what to say.

Fourth of July is over and summer is in full swing. Every day my kids have spent morning till past dinner time outside with the neighborhood kids. They’re running, laughing, riding bikes and using their imagination. It’s exactly the summer I would wish for them.

Even though they’re getting plenty of play time in, I want their brains to be active, too.

Here are two ways we are preventing Summer Slide:

(Summer Slide is when children fall behind in reading and math over the summer.)

1. Participate in your local library’s summer reading program.

According to research, reading six books over the summer may keep a struggling reader from regressing. Many local libraries participate in summer reading programs, so that’s a great way to motivate your children.

In my town, kids have until August 10 to complete 6 books to be eligible for prizes and coupons to area attractions. Because of the incentives, my two oldest look forward to checking out their books and then returning them after reading.

For two weeks now, my 4-year-old and 6-year-old have been doing daily math sessions through the Smartick Method app. They do their math after breakfast before we get going for the day. Each session is designed to last 15 minutes.

According to the company, “Smartick is a unique online learning method that through mathematics, increases mental agility, calculation skills and concentration, and study habits, helping your child reach their maximum potential.”

Smartick is guided by the individual ability of each student in order to develop their math skills up to 100% of their potential, while keeping them constantly motivated.

Quick note: Smartick does not follow the official curriculum or State standards. It is designed to prepare your child to advance faster than in school.

What I love about Smartick:

My children can do their math sessions alone. I’m there if they need me. But, the questions can be read aloud to them through the program if they’re unable to read it.

The math problems are fun and interactive.

My children get excited when they do well and sometimes ask to do more than the 15-minute daily session.

The program offers encouragement, helping kids love math.

Since it’s available through an app, you can take math with you wherever you go. IE: Road trips, airplanes, grandma’s house etc…

While Smartick is popular throughout Europe, U.S. families are now getting on board and are using it as an alternative to Kumon, Russian Math and other traditional after-school programs.

If you’d like to give Smartick a try, families who subscribe through July 15th are able to get a discounted price on the subscription. Taking advantage of the summer special is a great way to try to the program, especially if you’re hesitant to commit to the monthly subscription.

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About Courtney

Courtney is a mom to four kids, 6 years old and under. She's dog-obsessed and loves to cook. When watching TV, her go-to channels are E!, Food Network and Hallmark...not necessarily in that order. And in case you were wondering, her favorite food is home fries. And pizza.

HI THERE, I’M COURTNEY!

I'm a work-at-home mom to four kids, 7 years old and under. I'm dog obsessed and love to cook. You can also find me on TV turning blog posts into fun, live segments. The Mod Mommy is a parenting blog fueled by humor and snacks. Find food ideas, craft activities and more! Read More…